Varanasi: Uttar Pradesh is experiencing severe cold. The chilly winds have brought chills reminiscent of mountainous regions.
Schools and Colleges Closed Till January 5
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered the closure of schools and colleges until January 5th.
Dense Fog Covers 35 Districts
Meanwhile, fog enveloped 35 districts, including Agra, on Saturday morning, with visibility dropping to 10 meters.
Deserted Streets, Bonfires Become a Common Sight
In many places, the streets appear deserted. People are forced to sit outside their homes by bonfires. In Gorakhpur, even animals shivered in the severe cold. A heater has been installed for the leopard at the zoo. With the sun shining, lions, giraffes, and other animals are roaming their enclosures seeking relief.
Light Drizzle in Kashi Worsens Cold
A light drizzle in Kashi early in the morning only exacerbated the chill.
Over 70 Trains Delayed Due to Fog
Due to fog, more than 70 trains are running late by two to 14 hours at various railway stations, including Varanasi. Air travel has also been affected by the bad weather.
Flights Cancelled and Delayed Across State
More than 10 flights have been cancelled at several airports, including Gorakhpur, while many others have been delayed.
No Fog in Some Districts, But Winds Add to Chill
Meanwhile, on Saturday, there was no fog in many districts, including Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Kanpur. However, chilly westerly winds blowing at speeds of 10 to 15 km per hour have increased the chill. The Meteorological Department predicts that cold winds from the mountains will cause day and night temperatures to drop by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next seven days.
Hardoi Coldest in the State
In the last 24 hours, Hardoi was the coldest in the state, with a minimum temperature of 5.5°C. Aligarh, Agra, and Etawah recorded 6.4°C, 6.9°C, 7.2°C, and 7.4°C, respectively.
IMD Issues Severe Cold Wave Alert
The Meteorological Department has issued a severe cold wave warning for the next three days. Dense fog will cause extremely low visibility during the morning and night hours for seven days. People have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.